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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-16 Public Arts PACKET PUBLIC ART COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING September 16, 2022 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 8:30 a.m. via Zoom Land Acknowledgement (Attachment 1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Arts Commission regular meeting of July 16, 2022 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA PUBLIC FORUM LIAISON REPORTS Council Liaison Stefani Seffinger Community Development Liaison Johanna Tuthill APRC Liaison Jim Lewis PAC WORKPLAN and PROJECT UPDATES Golden Connections Medallion Update Plan for Acceptance at CC of Resolution to Council of Micah Blacklight Gift, & PAC Endorsements. OTHER BUSINESS Meeting update Social Equity Racial Justice Commission Future Public Art Forums by PAC Discussion & considerations: A sub-committee Painting ODOT Utility Boxes project update Developing a plaque for Nourishing Our Community Otter Lifter Canoe project of AHS update Annual report to City Council from PAC, Draft (Attachment 2) ADJOURNMENT Next Meeting: October 21, 2022 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ATTACHMENTS Minutes from August 19, 2022 meeting 1. Land Acknowledgement draft 2. Draft Report In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). PUBLIC ARTSCOMMISSION REGULAR MEETING August 19, 2022 DRAFTMinutes I.CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Engelundcalled the meeting to order at 8:34a.m. via Zoom. Commissioners Present:Staff Present: Ken EngelundJohanna Tuthill, Associate Planner Cassie Preskenis Laura BloomAPRC Liaison: Stanley SmithJim Lewis(absent) Destiny Young Council Liaison: Stefani Seffinger Absent Members:Members of the Public: Joel Frank Peter Finkle Jennifer LongshoreJohn Pugh Andrew Stallman Gina DuQuenne II.ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA-None III.PUBLIC FORUM–Nomember of the public wished to speak. The Commission received one written public comment (see attachment #1). IV.APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Arts CommissionRegular Meeting,July 15, 2022 Commissioners Bloom/Preskenism/s to approve the minutes with one correction. Voice Vote: ALL AYES. Motion passed5-0. V.LIAISON REPORTS Community Development Liaison –Associate Planner Johanna Tuthill informed the Commission that the Say Their Names art project was progressing, and was on the radar of both the City Council and the Community Development department. Council Liaison –Councilor Seffinger informed the Commissionthat the Council is currently working on the city budget, and will soon be working on a survey with SOU to garner community feedback regarding pressing issues facing the City. The Council will alsodetermine whether to change the format for some city commissions. VI.OTHER BUSINESS Equity Lens Follow-Up, Land Acknowledgement Commissioner Preskenisread theupdatedLand Acknowledgement and proposed that the statement include a line written by herself and Commissioner Smith. Chair Engelund recommended that the government’s role in the treatment of Native Americans also be acknowledged in the statement. Commissioner Smith agreed with thisaddition, and In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). further recommended that the Council also adopt this change. Councilor’s Seffinger and DuQuenne agreed that it should be added to the Council’s statement. Commissioners Smith/Preskenis m/s to approve the revised land acknowledgement. VoiceVote: ALL AYES. Motion passed 5-0. Commissioners Preskenis/Smith m/s to recommend that the City Council adopt the revised land acknowledgement. Voice Vote: ALL AYES. Motion passed 5-0. Remarks by Councilor Gina DuQuenne Councilor DuQuenne thanked the Commission for allowing her to come before them to speak. She expressed admiration and gratitude to Micah BlackLight for the Say Their Names art piece and theloveand history that it evokes. She voiced disappointment in someonlinecommentators who seektosilencethevoices of African-Americans in the community.Councilor DuQuenne remarked that the art piece could be a great educational piece for the community, and that thi education can create common ground.Shethanked the Commission for its work onthe Say Their Names artwork, and hopes to see this go before the Council soon. Sheconcluded by stating that she wished to live in an Ashland that is against racismand inclusive of all peoples, and that the Say Their Names artwork was a step towardsbringing the community together. Councilor Seffinger stated that the fastest avenue for approval would be for it to be brought before the Council, and that it should be brought forward as a gift instead of as a part of public art. Commissioner Smith expressed support for Councilor DuQuenne’s statements and agreed that the community needs to come together. He took exception to all negative comments about the artwork being race-related, and stated that he believed that the religious iconography may be inappropriate. However, he believed that personal aesthetics need not be factored into the decision making process. Commissioner Preskenis remarked that she had personally heard comments about the artwork that were race-related, which made its installation all the more important. She stated that this piece had been created by,and represented,the African-American community. She acknowledged that not all comments regarding the artwork were race-related,butthat many of the strongestnegativereactions were. Chair Engelund noted that the Commission would vote only on the issuesof the artwork, and that any personal opinions would not be discussed. Councilor DuQuennestatedthat art is subjectiveand that not all will approve of the artwork, but that many will appreciate the piece and Mr. BlackLight’s good intentions. Councilor Seffingerpointed out that any overt religious referencesinart pieceshave caused issues in the past. Chair Engelund advisedthat the Commissionrecommend that Council Liaison Seffinger move to add the Say Their Names giftfrom Micah BlackLightto the Council Agenda.The Ashland Parks and Recreation department(APR)would then be tasked with preparing the site if approved by the Council. Review of Resolution to Council of Say Their Names Collective Gift: Micah Blacklight’s work (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) The Commission presented its proposed motion recommending that Council Liaison Seffinger add the Say Their Names Collective gift to the Council agenda (see attachment #2). Councilor Seffinger remarked that viewing it as a gift rather than an item that went through the public art process would be a more fair way to present it to the Council. This would also be more consistent with the way in which this artwork was presented to the public.She pointed outthat a select committee hasoften workedwith artists on past projectsto discuss changes, engineering, and public comments. Councilor Seffinger noted that she is speaking only as the Council Liaison, and that the final decision is up to the Commission. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). Commissioner Smith inquired if the APR had the fundsavailable in its budget for the installation, or if it would need to request funding from the Council. Councilor Seffinger responded that it will likely come out of the Public Work’s budget. Chair Engelund noted that he had provided a timeline of events that began with the death of George Floyd until the present, which would be included in the minutes (see attachment #3). Commissioner Bloom inquired if the previous motion was now void. Chair Engelund responded that it was still largely relevant, and that the project would draw upon both the recommendations of both the Commission and the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission. There was general discussion regarding the process for the art project to move forward. Commissioner Preskenis noted that the BIPOC mural and Canoe projects had both been passed without a select committee, and commented that Mr. BlackLight’s gift seemed tobe held to a different standard.Councilor Seffinger said that discussions regarding safety, placement, and upkeep were held regarding the Canoe installation. She added that discussions regarding an artwork are easier when there is a physical model availableversus thosein theearlyconceptual phase. Chair Engelund suggested that the Commission work with the artist and provide regular updates to the Council. Commission Smith requested clarification regarding the impact of the Commission’s endorsement or non-endorsementonthis project.Chair Engelund responded that the project would be able to go forward without the Commission’s endorsement, but that it would be in the record. Councilor DuQuenne encouraged the Commission to endorse Mr. BlackLight’s gift to the City. She stressed that he had worked within City regulations and that this would be a goodgift for the Cityto add its name to, and that the Commission’s endorsement would add significant weight to the approval process. She added that the Commission’s collective endorsement could help convince those opposed to the project. Councilor Seffinger expressed concern that the project did no follow the Commission’s process and that a select committee had not been named, nor had the project been shown to the public as extensively as projectshad beenin the past. Commissioner Bloom pointed out that there had been an extensive presentation and evaluation by the Commission, and cited Ashland Municipal Code 2.29.110 to show that the proper process had been followed.She stated that the code is clear in its guidelines,and that the process was conducted correctly. Commissioner Preskenis agreed, and stated that she saw no problem with the Commission’s motion. Councilor Seffinger conveyedthat the Commission can continue with its original motion if it feels that the process has been completed. Commissioner Young exited the meeting at 9:32am. Commissioners Preskenis/Bloomm/s torecommend that the Public Arts Commission endorse the sculpture design concept of Micah BlackLight’s “Ancestor’s Future: Crystalizing Our Call” as the Say Their Names Collectives gift to the City of Ashland, and that the art concept will have a final review for quality upon completion,and in solidarity to the message of social and racial justice that the Public Arts Commission recommends that the City Council allocates the funds or labor required for the site preparation and installation of the sculpture.Voice Vote:Commissioners Preskenis, Engelund, Bloom, AYE.Commissioner Smith abstained.Motion passed 3-0. Elks Club & John Pugh Mural Project Presentation Mr. Pugh provided an update regarding his request to paint a mural on the Elks Lodge wall. He stated that the Elks Lodge had signed an agreement allowing him to move forward, and have also suppliedwithsome funding to develop a model and sketch of the project.He then gave a presentation of his past artworks (see attachment #4) Chair Engelund remarkedthat he had spoken with the Historic Commission about the mural becoming the hub for the Marking Ashland Places (MAP) project. Commissioner Preskenis asked for clarification over the official process if this became part of the MAP project. Commissioner In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). Smith responded that the procedurewould be extensive and would include a selection panel and a call for artists. Chair Engelund recommended that the MAP project be added to the Commission’s agenda to formalize the process. Mr. Pugh inquired if it would be appropriate to begin seeking funding, to which Commissioner Smith agreed that it would be. Councilor Seffinger commented that another consideration for the Commission is whether it is seen as a gift and is endorsed bypublic arts,because then opening the project up to the public processwould be less problematic. Haines & Friends Grant Application Proposal Commissioner Bloomstated that the Commission would need to contactthe Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)before any moving forward.She added that Commissioner Preskenis, Peter Finkle, and herself had identified anutility box on the corner of Siskiyou Blvd. and Walker Ave. that could be an appropriate candidate for an art project.She andCommissioner Preskenis had also spoken with the Presbyterian Church which has expressed interest in collaborating with the Commission on a project. Mr. Finkle spoke with ODOTwhichwill require a signed agreement with the City, a process that can take up to several months, but will not inhibit the Commission’s eligibility forthe grant. An artist will also need to be chosen to work on a rough design. Mr. Finkle asked if it would be worthwhile to attempt to submit a grant application by the August 31, 2022 deadline, or to seek fundraising over the next few months instead.He added that an artist and design would need to be chosen before an application could be submitted. Commissioner Preskenis stated that it would be difficult to meet the deadline, and Commissioner Bloom agreed. Chair Engelund suggested that the task group continue to work on the utility box with ODOT and the Church, andCommissioner Bloom saidthat this would allow the Commission to identify more candidates for future projects. Mr. Finkle suggested that the Commission make a motion to have Mike Morrison from Public Works follow up with ODOTand begin the agreement process. CommissionersEngelund/Preskenis m/s to havethe task group continue to work on the utility box with ODOT and thePresbyterianChurch.Voice Vote: ALL AYES. Motion passed 4-0. CommissionersPreskenis/Smithm/s forthe Commissiontocontact Mike Morrison and request that he begin the process with ODOT for approval of the Public Arts Commission to seek out artists to paint their utility boxes.Voice Vote: ALL AYES. Motion passed 4-0. VII.PAC WORKPLAN First Friday Report Chair Engelund stated that Commissioners Bloom, Preskenis, and himself would be giving public art talks on First Friday in September. Golden Connections Update–Plaque clean-up Ms. Tuthillsaid that shehas not received any further updates regarding the cleaning, but that she would continue to reach out to the APR department for a status report. VIII.ADJOURNMENT -9:43AM Next Meeting:September 16, 2022 IX.ATTACHMENTS July15, 2022Minutes In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). -----Original Message----- From: Wendy Eppinger <emailforwendy27@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2022 9:36 AM To: Planning Commission - Public Testimony <PC-public-testimony@ashland.or.us> Subject: advisory commission testimony Public Art Comission \[EXTERNAL SENDER\] Please acknowledge this e mail testimony in regards to the Say Their Names proposed sculpture by Micah Lightfoot at Ashland Creek Park. my name is Wendy Eppinger I live aT 190 Walker Ave and my phone number is 541 482 7303..unfortunately I will be traveling during the meeting and will not be able to attend. I am disturbed by this proposed piece in two ways…. No.1. The process was flawed. Requests for summitals talks were sent to participating organizations and “were picked up locally “ but my inquiry on 8/3 as to “local sources”was never responded to by BASE or Say Their Names .I subsequently found out that there were only 4 submittals. I don’t think any public monies should be spent on an project with so few submissions. No. 2…Mr. Lightfoot’s Proposal… I believe his piece does not really represent his intended wishes. I have read his statement many times and believe what he has created graphically does not reflect his intentions. To the general public his facial image projects an adversity which I feel was not his intention. Ashland Next Door a web based community publication, received 142 reactions to this proposed piece. Please peruse these statements under Amy Titus, the woman who presented this piece. Proposed solution Repeat the calls for submission to include a wider population of artists Have a group of professional skilled artists to work with Mr. Blacklight to aesthetically represent his intention. I belong to a group of local experienced artists and am including a selection of their responses to this proposed sculpture….in a separate e mail. thank you for taking my reponses seriously. For PAC consideration 8/19/22 Following discussion, a proposed motion for consideration regarding the Say Their Names (STNs) Micah Blacklight work Future: Crystallizing Our The Public Arts Commission recommends Council Liaison Stef Seffinger move to the City Council agenda for their resolution the Say Their Names Collective gift of the proposed Micah Blacklight statue Future: Crystallizing our As in the Ashland Municipal Code (AMC) 2.29.110 - Gifts. The presentation of the Council Liaison to draw upon: 1) the STN Collective Power Point presentation, the presentation of his vision of the work, materials, design, collaborators, location, and how it honors the names on the T-Shirts on the fence in Rail Road Park; 2) the endorsement of the Public Arts Commission (PAC) according to the AMC Public Art selection criteria Part A and B with emphasis on #1 and #9; 3) the endorsement of the Ashland Park and Recreation Commission (APRC) and offer of in-kind engineering and required site preparation, 4) an appropriate base to receive the completed The presentation may reference the Events Timeline since the death of George Floyd describing the STN Collective selection process, and references to the City Council Resolution 2021-01. KJE Calendar of Events leading to Say Their Names Proposed Gift to City of Ashland. May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed on live TV. May 31, 2020 NBC news reports: Many in Ashland peacefully gather to protest killing of George Floyd. June 2020 T-Shirts and Banners placed on fence in Rail Road Park. (STNs Coalition was later told that the T-Shirts and Banners installation needed to be taken down. Parks and Recreation Director explained the installation would go through the Parks and Recreation Commission Sign, Plaques and Memorials Subcommittee. Public Arts Commission (PAC) later added it would go under the donations section of the Ashland Municipal Code. See PAC meeting of April 16, 2021.) Chair suggested informal meeting with commission members to discuss and reviewed the AMC 2.29.130 Guidelines for inclusion into the Ashland Public Art Collection. October 8, 2020 First meeting with and initiated by City officials regarding possible next steps for the STNs memorial. November 18, 2020 Ashland City officials call a meeting to discuss a permanent memorial for Rail Road Park outpouring of T- Shirts and `Banners. November, 18, 2020 Volunteers make public announcement/call to action for community members: Excerpt: a team is developing to work on creating a permanent art installation along the fence we have an opportunity to create a new winterized piece of art to hold November 23, 2020 Ashland student Aidan Ellison killed. February 27, 2021 The Say Their Names Coalition (STNs Coalition) is formed with first collective meeting. March 1, 2021 STNs Collective Selection panel email sent - confirms composition of panel, shares preparation materials and the meeting date. March 9, 2021 Call for artist submissions sent to SOEquity and BASE websites and all organizations involved emailed to their lists draft of the call; in addition posters placed around town and along the RR Park fence calling for input from community and interested artists of color. April 6, 2021 Public Arts Commission Their Names Coalition made power point presentation. STNs selection process described. City staff shared selection process, and that it would proceed through the AMC Gift section. 2.29.110 Parks and Recreation (APRC) Director explained the fence and path was on Ashland Parks and Recreation property. STNs addressed question of whether (T-Shirts and Banners) installation could remain on the fence? APRC Director explained the fence and path was on Ashland Parks and Recreation property and needed to come down. A Commissioner asked if STNs group had considered other locations than Rail Road Park. STNs Ms. Freedman response indicated STN open to another location. April 22, 2021 Community update goes to Facebook page and mailing list. May 4, 2021 STN meets with artist for Golden Connection at RR Park, Jennifer Corio, to gain more understanding of the process May 13 - 24, 2021 Audio/video submissions from community on the STN memorial means to for the Rogue World Music Sound May 28, 2021 Rogue World Music Festival STN poster in A Street restaurant and at RR Park Their Names Memorial June 9, 2021 STNs Collectives attends regular Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission (APRC) meeting - requests support for the process and sharing plan for community involvement. June 11, 2021 Ashland Tidings article Their Names Collective requests project support from Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission. June 16, 2021 STNs Collective Press Release - Community Vote Goes Out. June 19 July 19, 2021 One Month Community Voting period online opportunity for viewing four proposals and voting on the BASE website. Two in person viewing and voting opportunities: Juneteenth at Pear Blossom Park (June 19) and Say their Names Memorial One Year Anniversary Commemoration, RR Park (June 28) A community event featuring several local residents of color. July 20, 2021 Ashland City Council Business agenda item Equity and Racial Justice Resolution No. 2021- 01 as an update on the Social Justice Equity and Racial Justice Resolution is adopted. At Section 1. A. Designate Social Equity and Racial Justice as a Value Service in the City of strategic planning process, . . 2.C. Display Black Lives Matter signs at City-owned locations to offer visible and immediate support for racial justice advocates in our 2.H. Determine the feasibility of a mural project to provide a mode of artistic expression of our commitment to making meaningful, visible, and ongoing progress on social equity and racial justice July 22, 2021 Results of final two proposals sent to the artists - Derrick and Micah pieces. September 2, 2021 APRC reps meet with two finalists to show them the (alternative ) site options for their art piece. January 1 - 31, 2022 STNs Selection panel sign-up. March1, 2022 Selection panel email sent - confirms: composition of panel, shares prep materials and the meeting date. March 28. 2022, STNs Collective Selection panel meets and decides April 5, 2022, STNs Collective Selection panel decision shared with artist. June 8, 2022, STNs Collective attends regular APRC meeting and presents formally to the APRC and requests support of then process and sharing the plan for community involvement. Director stated staff is looking for approval of the site location from Commissioners and stated that staff will work with the artist on lighting and that APRC staff will be providing in-kind labor where possible. Black stated Commissioners previously had expressed support for the City of Ashland to provide financial support as noted in the included in the meeting packet. The staff report also included a map identifying the location where the sculpture would be placed. Tia Laida Fe from the Say Their Names Collective and Micah Blacklight, the artist, spoke about the community process that has led to this point. Blacklight noted that he will be working closely with the APRC staff to coordinate installation and lighting (which wold copy with lighting policies) if the project secures final approval from the City Council. Blacklight stated that he will be seeking financial support form the City of Ashland and acknowledged that support from APRC will come in the form on (sic) In-kind labor regarding some site preparation work. M/S grant approval to re-locate the sculpture, Crystalizing Our Call at Ashland Creek Park as identified in the location All yes. And M/S to support the request for financial support from the City of Ashland and engineering and installation. All yes. June 16, 2022 STNs Collective Tia Laida Fe and local black artist Micah Blacklight present his work to the Public Arts Commission where it is unanimously approved (one absent) and recommended for final approval by the City Council. August, 19, 2022 Public Arts Commission Review of Resolution to Council of Say Their Names Collective Gift, of Micah Blacklight work. homelands we work -- the Ikirakutsum Band of the Shasta Nation, as well as the diverse and vibrant Native communities who make their home here today. We denounce the egregious acts of the colonizers and governments and recognize the horrific impacts that still exist today. We honor the first stewards in the Rogue Valley and the lands we live and depend on: Tribes with ancestral lands in and surrounding the geography of the Ashland Watershed include the original past, present and future indigenous inhabitants of the Shasta, Takelma, Athabaskan people. We also recognize - - DRAFT for 9/16/22 1. Commissioners and Liaisons: For your review and suggestions. A Proposed Annual report to the Ashland City Council of the Public Arts Commission (PAC) activities September, 2021 to August, 2022. Members of the City Council, it has been an active year for the advisory Public Arts Commission (PAC) in its stewardship and advocacy roles for Public Art in Ashland. Public Art enhances the richness of our culturally endowed community for locals and tourists alike. Art is subjective. Public art serves many roles including; entertainment, education, attracting tourism, social commentary and defining our values and identity. This past year: Consultation with the Say Their Names Collective continued. Past Chair Longshore presented the City and PAC 2020 Power of Public video for an OLLI group. PAC endorsed the Fringe Festival Commissioners attended the AHS Truth to Power BIPOC Mural celebration. The Chair introduced the on line PAC Box for maintaining records of institutional memory to benefit members, new members and provide context for actions. Chair Longshore presented images of the Golden Connections MAP HUB Spoke Medallions during consultation with the Historic Commission. Ashland Gallery Association Board attendance by PAC began. PAC welcomed Council liaison Seffinger and acknowledged with great appreciation outgoing liaison Councilor Jensen. APRC updates were presented by liaison Lewis. Commissioner Smith provided an update on an building wall proposed trompe- mural gift by internationally known and local artist/muralist John Pugh. PAC endorsed Otter-Lifter Canoe for installation on school district property along Siskiyou Blvd. It was a gift of local artist Dan Wapapah. A Golden Connections interpretive plaque was approved. PAC acknowledged by resolution the outstanding 2. leadership of outgoing Chair Longshore. Commissioner Preskenis provided an overview of Public Art with an Equity Lens. Guest Mayor Akins discussed contributions of public art in Ashland, suggesting a plaza recognition of Indigenous the Crow First Friday public art presentations began. Say Their Names Collective presented a selected work to acknowledge Black and People Of lives lost to violence with a permanent Sculpture, Future: Crystalizing Our PAC endorsed for Council acceptance the design conception of this gift to the City. A second presentation of an Equity Lens for Public Art was reviewed. Meetings begin with a Say Their Names Collective project discussion included presentations by Counselors Seffinger and Du Quenne. PAC again endorsed the proposed Micah Blacklight concept for Council acceptance. PAC adopted an expanded Land Acknowledgement, and moved forward the project for painting ODOT utility boxes on Siskiyou Ken Engelund, Chair, Public Arts Commission. # # #